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Meghan Markle Will Be Baptized Into the Church of England Before Her Wedding to Prince Harry

Before she says “I do,” Meghan Markle will be going through another sacred religious ceremony: a baptism.

According to Kensington Palace, Meghan will be baptized into the Church of England before her wedding to Prince Harry. The move is a significant nod to Harry’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth‘s role as head of the Church of England.

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There has been speculation about Meghan’s religious background in the past. Although she attended a Catholic high school, she was not raised Catholic: Her father is an Episcopalian — which is essentially the Church of England in the United States — and her mother is a Protestant. Jason Knauf, Prince Harry’s Communications Secretary, confirmed that Meghan will be “baptized and confirmed” into the Church of England ahead of her wedding.

She’s following a precedent set by Kate Middleton: Although Kate had already been baptized, she was confirmed weeks prior to her April 2011 wedding to Prince William in a private service. Since Meghan hasn’t been baptized in the Church of England, she’ll go through both rituals ahead of her wedding ceremony.

“In the Church of England this may involve water being poured on your head at the font, or the church may have a special pool and you will be fully immersed in the water,” the website says of adult baptisms. “However it happens, it’s a great occasion, full of joy.”

It’s just one joyful occasion in what’s sure to be a string of special events for Meghan and Harry over the next few months.

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